Coriander Seed
- Distillation Method: Steam
- Country of Origin: Russia
- Plant Part: Seed
- Latin Name: Coriandrum sativum
- Cultivation: Naturally Grown
About the Oil: Our Coriander essential oil is an incredibly beautiful aromatic, perfectly distilled to retain the complexity of the spice. And we’ve just added a lovely CO2 distillation, which has more pronounced middle notes. Very highly recommended!
Product Description
About The Plant
Traditionally an herb of protection an immortality, Coriander (also known as cilantro and Chinese parsley) is a strongly aromatic hardy annual herb, growing about one meter high with bright-green leaves and dainty pale pink to white flowers which produce the seeds. Native to Europe and Western Asia, naturalized in North America, and cultivated throughout the world, the oil is mainly produced in Russia, Yugoslavia, and Romania.
About The Oil
We have two Coriander seed essential oils from the ripe seeds of naturally grown Russian Coriander: a classic steam distillation and a CO2 extraction with more pronounced middle notes.
As with other plants in the Umbelliferae family such as Fennel and Caraway, Coriander seed is primarily known for its digestive properties.
Because of its high linalool content, Coriander can be toning and strengthening. It can be mildly euphoric due to linilool combined with courmarin compounds.
Of Interest
Coriander has been a popular aromatic stimulant and culinary spice cultivated for over 3,000 years. Coriander is mentioned in all the medieval medical texts, by the Greeks, in the Bible, and by early Sanskrit writers. Indigenous to the Holy land, Coriander was compared by the Ancient Hebrews to the manna provided by God to the Children of Israel and was one of the bitter herbs eaten during Passover. The Ancient Egyptians believed it to be the 'secret to happiness' and combined it with fresh garlic in wine to be drunk as an aphrodisiac. In fact, Coriander seeds were found in both the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses II.
The seeds and leaves are widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. A featured herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the herb in Ancient China was thought to promote longevity. Traditionally classified as an herb of protection, Coriander oil imbues a feeling of peace, security, and steadfastness all of which are related to the Earth element.
Therapeutic Properties
THERAPEUTICS DESCRIBED BY AROMATHERAPY SPECIALISTS
From Chrissie Wildwood’s The Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy5:
Analgesic
Aperitif
Antioxidant
Antirheumatic
Antispasmodic
Circulatory Stimulant
Digestive
Carminative
Fungicidal
Restorative
Stomachic
From Gabriel Mojay’s Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit2:
Aphrodisiac
Relieves muscular pain & stiffness
Indicated for general debility
Relieves mental fatigue
Soothes nervous exhaustion
“imbues a feeling of security, peace, and earthy permanence”
Inspires “spontaneity and passion and seeks to achieve stability without denying joy.”
PROPERTIES OF CORIANDER REPORTED IN PEER-REVIEWED RESEARCH
Hypolipidemic3
Regulates cholesterol4
Anti-diabetic5
Antioxidant6
Neuroprotective7
Antibacterial8
Antidepressant9
Anti-inflammatory10
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH STUDIES
Coriander was reported to reduce excess lipids (fats) in the blood of rats. These results suggest that coriander may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.3
Researchers added coriander seeds to the diets of rats and saw a decrease in the presence of low density lipoprotein cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") and an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol ("good cholesterol").4
A study in diabetic mice found that supplementing their diet with coriander extract stimulated insulin secretion and had insulin-like benefits.5
Coriander seed extract exhibited very strong radical scavenging antioxidant activity in vitro.6
The antioxidant properties of coriander extract were found to have neuroprotective activity against neurodegeneration and combated a model of Alzheimer's disease in rats.7
Linalool, the primary component of coriander oil, was shown to have strong antibacterial effects against oral bacteria that are known to cause cavities and gum disease.8
Researchers found that linalool found has significant antidepressant-like effects in rodents. The study also reported evidence that linalool can have a sedative effect as well.9
Linalool exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects in an experimental study on rats.10
Application
INHALATION
Use in a diffuser.
TOPICAL
Use on the skin in a carrier, alone or included with other essential oils.
INTERNAL
In small amounts, Coriander essential oil may be ingested in a solution or added to food.
Coriander can be used as a digestive tonic.